Ex Inter Milan Manager: “They Must Work On One Aspect If They Want To Come Back”

Former Inter Milan manager Andrea Stramaccioni has urged the Nerazzurri to improve one aspect if they’re to return to the Scudetto race.

Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport via FCInterNews, Stramaccioni gave his former club a piece of advice.

Indeed, Walter Mazzarri took his place as Inter failed to qualify for Europe for the first time in 15 years at the time.

However, the 49-year-old is a die-hard Inter Milan fan. Therefore, the current situation must feel particularly frustrating.

Last season’s Serie A runners-up have not enjoyed the best of starts under new boss Cristian Chivu.

Moreover, they already trail pacesetters Napoli by six points after losing twice in their opening four league matches.

However, there’s plenty of time to make up ground, with Stramaccioni identifying one area where the Nerazzurri can improve.

(Photo by Dino Panato/Getty Images)

“We’re only at matchday four,” Stramaccioni said. “Inter have the quality to do it, and starting this season Napoli are back in Europe, which could end up affecting their league form.

“This year, however, the title fight doesn’t seem limited to just those two.”

Asked what Inter must do to bounce back, he replied: “Inter have played four proactive games, always creating plenty, but also conceding too much.

“At the moment, the Nerazzurri are first in Serie A for the percentage of goals conceded compared to the number of attacks faced.

“Put bluntly, they concede goals too easily, and that’s an aspect that must be worked on.”

However, Stramaccioni took a moment to hail Inter’s strength in depth.

“Inter have significantly reinforced their options, especially in midfield and attack,” he added.

“Aside from Akanji for Pavard, the others have strengthened the bench, but the quality of the starting XI seems unchanged to me.

“After years in which Inter’s transfer strategy revolved around free agents, the focus is now on under-23 profiles.

“Correct choices, but ones that will require a bit of patience.”

Then, he praised Inter newcomers Petar Sucic, Francesco Pio Esposito, and Manuel Akanji.

“On the Inter side, the only ones on par with the first-choice starters are Sučić and Akanji.

“Then there’s Esposito, who deserves a special mention. I like him a lot, and he has everything it takes to be the surprise package.”

Finally, Stramaccioni drew a comparison between Antonio Conte and Chivu.

“The leader is always decisive,” he stated. “We can say that Chivu, with Antonio, faces the worst possible opponent: in terms of experience, charisma, leadership.”

View publisher imprint

Mentioned in this article

• 

  Inter